Catastrophic events always bring disruption. As we enter week 8 of the quarantine, we’ve witnessed firsthand how COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of technologies like video conferencing, unified communications, managed security and distributed networking. As conversations shift to re-opening our economy, they encompass everything from going back to work to getting a haircut or going to the beach. One of the ways I’ve been inspired during this time is the depth and breadth of collaboration amongst partners, and service providers – even competitors, to deliver a piece of the consumer solution, or contribute a necessary capability. As we have worked together, the combined value of each of the players is greater than what we could contribute individually. This is the very definition of ecosystem. As the focus shifts to enabling businesses to function again, it is apparent this newly refined method of delivery will be essential for survival. I’ve been impressed by the number of technology and infrastructure companies who have forgone compensation or deferred payments to meet immediate needs. Clearly, we will all be looking to make profits again going forward, however, the old linear programs will give way to ecosystems that will open up new lanes of revenue. As in all transformation, there will be some pain and adjustment. Yet as the caterpillar becomes the butterfly, I’m thrilled to participate in the development of new platforms and programs that will meet the need for greater collaboration, sharing of information and ability to scale quickly. This agility, born through catastrophe, will allow us to meet the evolving needs of partners and customers at a speed and scale not seen before. “As the focus shifts to enabling businesses to function again, it is apparent this newly refined method of delivery will be essential for survival.”